Indocyanine green fluorescent imaging on anastomotic leakage in colectomies: a network meta-analysis and systematic review

Purpose The usage of indocyanine green (ICG) dye is commonly associated with decreased anastomotic leakage rates in colectomies. This study aims to perform a network meta-analysis to assess the usage of ICG fluorescence imaging in right-sided colectomies. Methods Medline, Embase, Cochrane Trials, CNKI, and WanFang electronic databases were reviewed, and meta-analysis of proportions, comparative meta-analysis, and network meta-analysis were conducted in this review. Studies comparing ICG usage with conventional approaches of anastomosis were selected, with postoperative anastomotic leak rate being the primary outcome. Results Ten articles were included, with a total of 675 patients involved, of which 515 patients underwent colorectal surgery with ICG. Anastomotic leak rates with ICG were estimated to be 1% (CI 0.00–0.04) and 3% (CI 0.01–0.06) for right and left procedures, respectively. No significant difference was observed in left-sided colectomies (OR 0.587; 95% CI 0.218–1.582; p = 0.292). There were nearly half the odds of anastomotic leakage when ICG was used in right-sided colectomies (OR 0.524; 95% CI 0.128–2.137). Conclusion With the ability to potentially avert postoperative anastomotic leakage, coupled with its minimal costs and side effects, administration of ICG in colectomies in centers where equipment is available should be encouraged.